I know this is a little late, but HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I certainly hope that everyone had the most excellent holiday season, and were revived with new ideas and enthusiasm for the coming year. Dave and I are looking forward to this coming year, as we are hoping and praying that our family will eventually be united!

There are many changes coming our way whether we are ready for them or not, and that's ok. Life must go on, and so do we! I heard somewhere once during my college days that 'Time does not change; people do.' And that, my dear friends, is the truth. Our family has experienced so many changes and overcome obstacles this past year that I am amazed how well we still function! Ha! But God continues to give us the grace to handle the things that come our way, despite the fact that we are merely humans, and we have moments of utter despair, frustration, and self-pity. God gives us what we need, when we need it, and I am content. I have learned to appreciate the things that really, really matter in this life, and to shrug my shoulders at the things that don't, and believe you me, I am still learning! One of these days, Dave and I will be the people that we are supposed to be, and when that time comes, we will be called to our eternal home. And that is our calling. In fact, that is everyone's calling, the difference is that YOUR path looks completely different than ours! So, to a new year, to new paths, to new hope!!

The babies are both recovering from infections that overtook them this holiday season. Owen's infection hit him first, and was basically the same yucky bug that got him last time. It had to do with bacteria growing on his tracheostomy tubing. He is feeling much better now, and plays like there is no tomorrow! He is living without regrets! (except, of course, when he pulls out his tubes. silly boy.)

Emmett's infection was septic, meaning it infected multiple parts of his body. I've also heard the term 'global' when describing the extent of the infection. At first, the doctor thought it was fungal meningitis, and a lumbar puncture was performed to identify the flavor of bug, but Emmett did not tolerate the puncture well at all. I, for one, don't blame him! Despite the fact that they were unable to identify the culprit, they hit the infection with appropriate antibiotics to knock it out completely. Emmett is feeling much, much better, and both boys will flash a gummy grin to the casual passer-by (i.e. the nurses who come to visit). They are both back to being their normal fun-loving, magnanimous selves.

The short term plans, from what I have gathered, are that Emmett will receive a jejunostomy tube (a feeding tube that will be placed in the jejunum or the middle part of the intestine) once he has recovered fully from the infection. If all goes as planned, it will be no sooner than 2-3 weeks from now.

Owen does not have j-tube plans as of yet because he is tolerating feedings currently, so why finagle a system that works, right? His current plan of care is to increase the amount of feedings he receives up to the point of no longer needing TPN (IV-feedings).

As with the majority of plans with these sweet boys, plans may change 10 times before anything happens, but really, its best to be flexible. With this being said, the 3-4 month mark of getting the boys home is probably moving in time with us. Which means that even though it has been about a month since this fluid estimation was given, it is still more than likely 3-4 months away. And it may be that in 3 months, it will still be 3-4 months away. Good things are ALWAYS worth the wait. :)

The tough side of this, though, is that it makes planning for the future needs of our family pretty much impossible. Being a 'planner,' I am struggling with sitting on my hands and waiting. I keep repeating to myself God's timing is perfect. God's timing is perfect. God's timing is perfect. And it makes the inbetween unknowns somewhat easier to manage.

Emmett and Owen's Christmas tree and presents

Emmett and me (left) and Owen and his nurse (right) after opening Christmas presents

Thank you for sharing. I pray every day for your family. My students ask about emmitt and Owen often and remind me they pray for them.! Wish you many blessings in the new year. I love you all.

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Becky McVay

1/8/2014 08:48:24 am

So so glad to hear from you! You are always in our thoughts and prayers!

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Mary Jane Tyler

1/8/2014 09:15:23 am

Thank you for continuing to share the photos and progress of your family. You always remind me of how little there is to complain about in my life. There are few things that really matter in life and you seem to have learned that and what really does; faith and family and who we are. I pray for you and your 4 boys often.

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Charlotte Magee

1/8/2014 12:18:16 pm

Thank you for the update. Your family is beautiful. The little guys have come such a long way! The other children are precious as well. All of you continue to be in my prayers. Waiting is such a difficult thing to do!

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Laura

1/9/2014 11:14:53 am

My heart and my prayers are with you all!! You are an amazing and strong mommy!! I admire you and you give me strength! Keep chugging along, soon you will be home with everyone, just keep thinking positive thoughts! I will do the same for you. Thanks for posting your blog for strangers to read. Although you may not know it, many people who don't even know you care so much about you and your beautiful boys.

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Shanta Young

1/9/2014 11:55:45 am

Keep chugging along! Thank you for taking the time to do the updates. Your strength and positive outlook on things inspires me. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Happy New Year and God bless!